Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better~Maya Angelou

It’s hard to believe that two years ago we broke the news of the coming addition to our family- it was about 11 weeks into my pregnancy, but I could’t resist the opportunity to get everyone together and share the news. I planned and scoured to find just the right presents to give the soon to be grandparents- a mix of handmade and bought items announcing that the best parents become grandparents. We pushed a little to make sure my husband’s parents didn’t skip out on my family’s Christmas Eve celebration, then carefully orchestrated the gift giving so they’d all open their grandparent gifts at the same time. It was going really well.

Then Dad didn’t get it.

He got a cell phone case with the chosen phrase and gave it a glance while busily reading something else. My husband’s parents gasped, my mom took a few seconds to process, then they all looked at my dad with excited faces. Only when all eyes were on him did he ask- “what?”

“Did you read you gift?” Mom implored.

“What?”

“Read the back of your gift!”

“Oh!!”

Now this post is not an announcement of a second grandchild (you are already grandparents, I’ll have to think of something else), but as Christmas Eve approaches, I’m reminded of all the fun and excitement surrounding being pregnant and sharing the news. It also reminds me how much I’ve learned in the two years since.

This time two years ago I was avoiding alcohol (harder than you think during the holidays), had one trip to our favorite sushi place but was careful, and had stopped painting my nails. At this point, I didn’t realize all the rest of the garbage I was putting on my body. I didn’t realize that the shampoo I used was full of things I wouldn’t dream of putting on my then unborn baby. Parabens, endocrine disruptors and known carcinogens are everywhere and I didn’t have a clue. I was still using makeup, sunscreen full of questionable toxins, and while I’d given up my acne face soap, I hadn’t found a functional substitute.

The one thing I was doing (mainly out of cheapness) was using fractionated coconut oil on my growing middle. I found this great one in a CVS (to never find again, but thanks Amazon) and it was the start of my awareness of the efficacy of simple products. I’m happy to say (and probably lucky) that my middle returned to it’s normal state stretch mark free. I’ll be stocking up if and when number two is on the way.

Since my #switchtosafer began, I’ve discovered Beautycounterproducts- I’m in love with both the products themselves and even more so the mission. I didn’t know anything about the state of the personal care and cosmetics industries two years ago, and now I can’t imagine going back. Beautycounter’s mission of getting safer products in the hands of everyone and the educational focus over a purely revenue focus has me hooked. I’ve seen the company pull products when there’s even the possibility of contamination in the manufacturing process.

As a mom, I seek out what’s best for my family (and myself). I want Alice to grow up in a world where she has access to safer products, or at absolute minimum, access to the information she needs to make an educated decision. I didn’t get involved with Beautycounter to sell products- that’s a secondary benefit- I got involved to support the mission and educate others so they too can do the best for their families.

As I think back to that Christmas Eve two years ago tomorrow, it’s amazing how much I’ve learned and I can’t wait to share my journey with you. If you have any questions, shoot me an email and I’m happy to chat.

Merry Christmas to you and yours, and enjoy the rest of the holiday season!

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katherinermaclauchlan

As a new mom, I was horrified to learn about the lack of accountability in the personal care and cosmetic industry. Just because something is sold in store doesn't mean it's been tested for safety. In fact, there are ingredients commonly found in products in the US that are banned in the EU because they don't meet safety standards. Some are known carcinogens and endocrine system disruptors.
I've partnered with Beautycounter to share what I've learned with others and further the mission of getting safer products in the hands of everyone. Join me on my journey as I #switchtosafer!